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How to Wrap Your Pillar Trim for Under $20

DIY Pillar Post Trim Wraps

Got scratched or faded pillar trim? Have gaudy or ugly chrome pillars that
you just can't stand to look at anymore? Well, today's your lucky day because
you can upgrade your trim for under $20 per window (unless you have a military
grade Humvee, which will cost a bit more). So what do you need to get started?
Not much surprisingly and we'll lay it out for you.

Supplies & Tools

The first thing you'll need is a sheet of vinyl wrap film. We've shown carbon
fiber in the illustrations above but you can also use a matte black or chrome
film. Honestly, because there are so many colors and styles available, the sky
really is the limit. Be sure to pick up at least a 24" inch long roll for each
piece of trim. If you order Rwraps™, you can also get them in conveniently sized
12-inch wide rolls. Other tools you'll need are as follows:

Olfa-style-razor

Squeegee

Rubbing Alcohol or Rapid Prep

Heat Gun or Hair Dryer

Step 1: Measure Roll Size Required & Unroll

We assume you'll have measured the sizes you'll need before you get the
vinyl. Once you have it, unroll it. You'll probably notice what look like
creases but are called "tunnels" in the industry. This is because the film (if
you've but a wrapping vinyl) will have air-release channels which are causing
the now unrolled film to separate from the liner. This is completely normal.
There will be no tunnels when you apply the pillar trim wrap.

Step 2: Clean & Prep Pillar Trim

Using either rubbing alcohol or a cleaner like Rapid Prep, clean all parts of
the pillar post trim. Use a lint-free cloth and the squeegee to get into
crevices and corners. Be sure to clean the vehicle's windows and panels too to
prevent grease and dirt from being stuck to the film and causing it to come
unstuck (i.e., delaminating).

Step 3: Rough Cut & Test Fit

After you've determined how much vinyl film you'll need to wrap your trim
pieces you can begin the rough cut and test fit. Using a razor or pair of
scissors, cut out the vinyl to roughly the size and shape you'll need. Be sure
to leave at least a 3/4-inch overhang so you can tuck the film around corners
and into bezels.

Step 4: Peel and Apply

Peel the film partly off the paper
and tack the film to top. Begin to
squeegee on, peeling the paper
off as you squeegee down. Doing so will help keep the sticky side of the vinyl
from adhering to itself and dirt and debris from getting underneath it.

Step 5: Heat & Squeegee On

Heat the film and squeegee on and around the edges. The heat will help to get
the air bubbles out as well as mold the film around corners. Post-heating also
prevents the film from stretching back after application.